James Patrick "Jim" Merriman (63) of rural Stewardson

James Patrick "Jim" Merriman, 63 of rural Stewardson passed away at 4pm Sunday, October 2, 2016 at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 8 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Strasburg, IL with Rev. Steven Becker officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday in the church. Burial will be in Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Strasburg, IL or Trinity Lutheran School, Stewardson, IL.

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Jim was born October 9, 1952 in Shelbyville, the eldest son to Robert and Elaine “Booby” (Ulmer) Merriman. He was baptized in the Spirit at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on October 15, 1952 and confirmed in the faith on Palm Sunday, April 3, 1966. He was a 1970 graduate of Stewardson-Strasburg High School. He attended Lake Land College in Mattoon. On June 1, 1974 he married Muriel E. Manhart. Together they had four children:  Patrick Michael (wife Leigh) of Bossier City, LA; Christian James (wife Jenna) of Glencoe, OK; Allison Elaine (husband Bryan) Vonderheide of Mode, IL and Aaron Joseph, deceased. Jim was a self-employed over the road truck driver for 40 years. He was leased to HHT in Arthur, IL.  He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the NRA, and OOIDA. His family was the light of his life, always proud of his wife, kids and grandkids. He and Muriel recently attended the Joplin, MO truck show where he proudly paraded throughout the city in his Black Cherry Peterbilt.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Muriel of rural Stewardson, sons Patrick and Christian and daughter Allison. He is also survived by 5 Grandchildren - Daryn Merriman of Glencoe, OK, Jillian and Grant Merriman of Bossier City, LA, and Gabrielle and Noah Vonderheide of Mode, IL, step-mother Margaret Merriman of Mattoon, IL, sister-in-law Judy Merriman of Strasburg, IL, sister-in law Oksana Manhart, brothers-in-law Fred (Janet) Manhart, Paul (Carol Sue) Manhart, Pete (Karen) Manhart, Mike (Linda) Manhart, and Noel (Kathy) Manhart, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces & great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Gilbert and Alice Ulmer, Arthur and Ruby Merriman, In-laws Edwin and Ruth Manhart, brother John M. Merriman, brother-in-law James Manhart, sister-in-law Carol Ann Manhart, and infant son Aaron Joseph Merriman.

Jim was a hero to his children and grandchildren. The sparkle in Jim’s eye and quiet demeanor will be treasured and missed for a lifetime.